I see what you mean...symphonic elements are definitely stripped and the overall songwriting is actually better compared to the last few. TBH I liked the orchestral/symphonic stuff on earlier albums(Enter) so based on the review I didn't expect to like this much, but it's better than I expected. Still not great and I'd definitely hesitate to call it their best.

I liked the orchestral/symphonic stuff on The Silent Force but it really dominated everything a little too much. I like Enter but wouldn't ever listen to it on my own.

Part of me kinda wants to check this out. I've always had a soft spot for Evanescence, Lacuna Coil, and In This Moment. (Granted, the first 2 i've definitely kinda outgrown to some degree, and the most recent album from the 3rd was a grave disappointment.)

ha ha. Rating wars. If there weren't douche bags trying to troll rate everything they dislike there wouldn't be fanboys trying to do the opposite... Ok, they probably exist independent of each other, nevermind. Anyway, whatever video they release next will be for a good song. Looking forward to that one.

I've never been a fan of WT, always thought they sound too much like Evanescence to my taste...but some songs in this disc (specially "In the middle of the night" and "Iron") are really good indeed...it's not a superb record, but it's a very good one...

Mr. Spencer, while you are very skilled in your writing skills, I would like to point out that expressing your opinion as a fact makes you sound like a douche and not a capable critic. You are obviously a heavy metal fan and trying to see the music from your point of view is fine but don't make it a fact and try to force it on people. It is only your opinion. There are many people who would consider "Mother Earth" or "The Silent Force" amazing albums. Different people have different tastes. This does not make them less knowledgeable or stupid. Any person with good writing skills can write a review that can influence the masses, the fact that you have the platform and the chance to have your voice heard does not mean you should abuse this privilege. In my humble opinion, your article while well written is full of crap!

I tried to find a point in that mass of words and couldn't do it. There isn't a single place in that review where an opinion was presented as fact. Why am I to care that some people see Mother Earth or The Silent Force as amazing albums? Let me explain something you might not understand. Introducing my opinion on the band's previous few albums sets up the context for the entire review. Now readers know that my perspective is coming from someone that saw Mother Earth as cheesy and The Silent Force as drown in keyboards. Now it's easier for a reader to know how to take in the rest of opinions because they see the angle they're coming from.

Mr. Spencer, while you are very skilled in your writing skills, I would like to point out that expressing your opinion as a fact makes you sound like a douche and not a capable critic.

well y'know, I'd rather read a stern review by someone who is confident in their opinion rather than a review slathered with "but that's just my opinion guys feel free to disagree". you have to have some confidence in your views to be a good reviewer, and Willie is a good reviewer. :T